GRITTY RED STORM FALLS TO DUKE, FACE GEORGIA NEXT

The Chance to play Duke in Cameron Indoor Stadium was definitely a measuring stick opportunity for the St. John's basketball team on Saturday. Entering the game 6-0 and receiving some votes in the latest top 25 polls, the Red Storm was eager to see how they stacked up against an elite team in the country. Duke Snaps St. John's Winning Streak in 80-71 Win (NY Daily News) as they ride a big early lead to victory.

Duke took a 40-24 lead at the half and SJU, already without 5th year senior Anthony Mason Jr, lost junior Justin Burrell to a sprained ankle in the game's opening minutes as Duke Was Too Much for Gritty St. John's (NY Post) who accounted well for themselves despite the cirumstances.

DJ Kennedy led SJU with 18 points and Sean Evans scored 17.

A 17-0 first half Duke run took control of the contest, but SJU closed the gap to 58-52 in the second half. Duke, which held a solid rebounding edge, ran off 10 more consecutive points to push the lead back to 16. St. John's would push back, but never get within six again.

The Redstorm are back in action on Wednesday night playing the first game of the SEC/Big East Invitational at Madison Square Garden against Georgia.